With an increasing number of power outages across the United States and devastating fires in California causing power outages, millions of homeowners have been without power over the past year. According to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA), electricity customers across the United States experienced an average of more than eight hours of power outages in 2022. It is the longest period without electricity since the organization began collecting electricity reliability data in 2013.
As a result, many homeowners are concerned about the reliability of their power supply and are increasingly interested in back-up options, such as solar and battery storage systems. Crafuel's portable power station (pps) and its incredible wingman solar panel can provide you peace of mind by keeping the lights on and your fridge running during power outages.
Here's some important information to know about how Crafuel's portable power stations and solar panels compare, including the ability to go self-sufficient.
Portable feeding station
Input capacity
All power stations should be charged by connecting them to solar panels (hence the designation "solar generators"), but you should also find charging capacity through other sources, such as the wall socket and the 12 volt socket of your vehicle. This ensures that you can charge your power station in the sun when off the grid, plugged in at home to prepare for a power outage, or through your vehicle's dash socket when you're on the go.
You should also monitor a model's load input capacity, which is measured in watts (W). A portable power station with a maximum input of 500W, for example, can continuously take a stream of up to 500 watts, which is the minimum you should reasonably be looking for. Most Crafuel power stations have input capacities of at least a few hundred watts when charged via solar panels, so a few 100 watt solar panels will max them out.
Output capacity
All portable power stations must maintain incoming and outgoing power. The best portable power station is capable of simultaneously charging all the devices you need through the necessary outlets.
This means that any portable power station worth your money will have a high output capacity so you can charge many devices, even if they need a lot of power. A power station's maximum output should be much higher than its maximum input. Although a particular model is only capable of handling a few hundred watts at any given time, it will generally produce much more power. At a minimum, you'll need a generator that can deliver 500 watts at a time, although for larger tasks you'll want at least 1000 watts.
Additionally, the best portable power station should offer a variety of outlets, including AC, USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt DC outlets like the one on your vehicle's dashboard . This ensures that you can charge multiple devices at the same time, regardless of which outlet they use. The number of ports you'll need will vary depending on how many devices you need to power, but the portable power station should have at least a few AC outlets and a few USB-A ports.
Longer life
As with any product you expect to last, durability and build quality are key. This is especially true if you plan to carry your portable power station on camping and road trips. Many mediocre portable power stations are made from cheap components and flimsy plastic that doesn't seem to stand up to the rigors of the road.
Durability is not something you can determine by reading a spec sheet on the internet. You actually have to pick up the generator and use it a few times to see how it holds up.
Portability
If you plan to take a portable power station camping or use it in a campervan where every square inch counts, size and weight become major considerations. All of Crafuel's products are about the size of a shoebox or two. The lightest weighs less than the weight of a 24-pack of soda cans, while the heaviest weighs 59 pounds, or about the weight of an extra-large bag of dog food. Most are between 30 and 60 pounds.
However, if you are going to use your generator as a more or less stationary backup power source at home, portability is not a major issue. However, it is generally recommended to keep weight and height in mind. You never know when you'll need your portable power station for more than a backup power source. (Plus, who wants to carry something heavy and clumsy if they don't need to?)
Portable solar panel
Energy storage options
Many portable solar panels come with the necessary cables and batteries to store the electricity for later use. A power station is especially useful if you hope to use solar power when the sun is out. Lighting up a campsite at night, charging your phone during a thunderstorm, or keeping your laptop running on a cloudy afternoon are all good examples. If you want to stock up on solar power, consider purchasing a kit that includes the necessary batteries, converters, and cables.
Portability
The size, weight and design of the solar panel you choose will all determine its portability. If you plan to go to a sunny field to work, a heavier, bulkier panel might be fine. You can keep it in your car until you reach your destination, so its size and weight won't be a problem. In contrast, hikers and campers should choose lightweight, small-sized panels that won't become a burden on long outdoor hikes. The Crafuel 100W Portable Solar Panel is a great option in this case. Before buying, be sure to check the weight and dimensions of a panel as well as those of all its accessories.
Weather resistance
While most solar panels are at least somewhat weatherproof, not all are truly waterproof. The last thing you want is to ruin your new device and find yourself without power simply because it wasn't designed to withstand the elements. Consider the intensity of your outdoor excursions and the weather conditions in your area and be sure to determine the sturdiness of your panel before purchasing. Crafuel's 100W portable solar panel performs well in wet weather and will give you a great experience when you enjoy your outdoor activities on rainy days. To extend its service life, we suggest that you clean your solar panel with a towel or dry cloth after each use.
Height and weight
The specific size and weight of a solar panel are key considerations when trying to determine product suitability. For example, lightweight and compact solar panels are excellent for hiking, trekking and camping because they can fit in a backpack and carrying them does not cause undue fatigue. However, these panels are vulnerable to wind due to their flat shape and low weight, which means they can be blown away easily.
In contrast, large, heavy panels are great for mounting on the roof of the house or an RV, but are far too bulky to transport in a vehicle or set up at a campsite. It is therefore important to determine how you want to use the solar panel before deciding on a specific product.
Conclusion
The purpose of solar panels is to absorb solar energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity for a range of different devices and batteries. Therefore, the integration and synergy of the power station and the solar panel are of great importance. With Crafuel's portable power stations and 100W solar panel, even if the power goes out, you'll be able to keep your fridge cool and use basic electronics for a few days without recharging. With quality solar panels, good sun exposure and smart energy use, your power supply should theoretically continue uninterrupted.
